Determining factors of the innovative behavior of cooperatives: an analysis of the case of Castilla y León

Cooperatives have a long historical experience in the Spanish economy and have demonstrated their ability to compete against traditional firms in the market. To maintain this capability, while taking advantage of the competitive advantages associated with their idiosyncrasies as social economy enterprises, they should take into consideration that the economy is increasingly globalized and increasingly knowledge-based, especially with regards to technological content. As a consequence, the innovative capacity appears to be a key aspect in order to be able to challenge competitors. This article characterizes the innovative behavior of cooperatives in the region of Castile and Leon and analyses the internal and external factors affecting their innovative performance, based on data from a survey of 581 cooperatives. The results of the empirical analysis, which is performed by multivariate binary logistic regression on various types of innovation, lead us to identify the size of the organizations, the existence of planning, the R & D activities and the human capital as the main determining factors.

Nitric oxide synthase gene therapy enhances the toxicity of cisplatin in cancer cells

BACKGROUND AIMS: Cell-based gene therapy is an alternative to viral and non-viral gene therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are able to migrate to sites of tissue injury and have immunosuppressive properties that may be useful in targeted gene therapy for sustained specific tissue engraftment. METHODS: In this study, we injected intravenously (i.v.) 1x10(6) MSC, isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic rats, into Rif-1 fibrosarcoma-bearing C3H/HeN mice. The MSC had been infected using a lentiviral vector to express stably the luciferase reporter gene (MSC-GFP-luci). An in vivo imaging system (IVIS 200) and Western blotting techniques were used to detect the distribution of MSC-GFP-luci in tumor-bearing animals. RESULTS: We observed that xenogenic MSC selectively migrated to the tumor site, proliferated and expressed the exogenous gene in subcutaneous fibrosarcoma transplants. No MSC distribution was detected in other organs, such as the liver, spleen, colon and kidney. We further showed that the FGF2/FGFR pathways may play a role in the directional movement of MSC to the Rif-1 fibrosarcoma. We performed in vitro co-culture and in vivo tumor growth analysis, showing that MSC did not affect the proliferation of Rif-1 cells and fibrosarcoma growth compared with an untreated control group. Finally, we demonstrated that the xenogenic MSC stably expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein transferred by a lentivirus-based system had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Rif-1 tumors compared with MSC alone and the non-treatment control group. CONCLUSIONS: iNOS delivered by genetically modified iNOS-MSC showed a significant anti-tumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. MSC may be used as a target gene delivery vehicle for the treatment of fibrosarcoma and other tumors

Peat multi-proxy data from Mannikjarve bog as indicators of late Holocene climate changes in Estonia

As part of a wider project on European climate change over the past 4500 years, a 4.5-m peat core was taken from a lawn microform on Mannikjarve bog, Estonia. Several methods were used to yield proxy-climate data: (i) a quadrat and leaf-count method for plant macrofossil data, (ii) testate amoebae analysis, and (iii) colorimetric determination of peat humification. These data are provided with an exceptionally high resolution and precise chronology. Changes in bog surface wetness were inferred using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and zonation of macrofossil data, particularly concerning the occurrence of Sphagnum balticum, and a transfer function for water-table depth for testate amoebae data. Based on the results, periods of high bog surface wetness appear to have occurred at c. 3100, 3010-2990, 2300, 1750-1610, 1510, 14 10, 1110, 540 and 3 10 cal. yr BP, during four longer periods between c. 3170 and 2850 cal. yr BP, 2450 and 2000 cal. yr BP, 1770 and 1530 cal. yr BP and in the period from 880 cal. yr BP until the present. In the period between 1770 and 1530 cal. yr BP. the extension or initiation of a hollow microtope occurred, which corresponds with other research results from Mannikjarve bog. This and other changes towards increasing bog surface wetness may be the responses to colder temperatures and the predominance of a more continental climate in the region, which favoured the development of bog microdepressions and a complex bog microtopography. Located in the border zone of oceanic and continental climatic sectors, in an area almost without land uplift, this study site may provide valuable information about changes in palaeohydrological and palaeoclimatological conditions in the northern parts of the eastern Baltic Sea region.

Pre-treatment with Depo-Provera modifies the pharmacokinetics of CMPD167 in rhesus macaques following vaginal ring administration

BACKGROUND: Vaginal ring devices are being developed to provide sustained release of HIV microbicides. To date, only limited pharmacokinetic data is available from animal or human studies. Here we report the effect of Depo-Provera (DP) pre- treatment, commonly used to thin the vaginal epithelium in challenge experiments, on the pharmacokinetic profile of CMPD167 (a small molecule CCR5 co-receptor antagonist) in rhesus macaques following vaginal ring administration.

METHODS: A single 400mg CMPD167 silicone elastomer vaginal ring was inserted into each of twelve female rhesus macaques. Six macaques were treated with (DP) 30 days before ring placement; the other six macaques were untreated. Blood, vaginal fluid and vaginal biopsies were collected prior to and at various times during 28 days of ring placement and assayed for CMPD167 levels by HPLC. Rings were assayed for residual CMPD167 at the end of the study and the calculated amount of CMPD167 released in vivo compared with in vitro release data.

RESULTS: Vaginal fluid, plasma and tissue levels of CMPD167 were detectable throughout ring placement. Significant differences were observed in mean daily vaginal fluid levels between the DP-treated (16–56 mcg/mL) and untreated groups (48–181 mcg/mL). Plasma CMPD167 levels were significantly higher peaking at 4 ng/mL and maintaining levels of 1–2 nM throughout the 14 days of testing in animals pre-treated with DP compared to non DP-treated macaques (<1 ng/mL maintained). Tissue levels were varied between 2–10 g/mL CMPD167 with no significant difference between the DP-treated and untreated macaques.

CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that clinically relevant, and possibly protective doses of CMPD167 are released in the vaginal vault of rhesus macaques from vaginal rings through 28 days duration. DP is known to induce vaginal epithelial thinning and lower vaginal fluid levels, which accounts for the increased plasma levels of CMPD167. In contrast, macaques not treated with DP had minimal absorption into plasma compartments and significantly higher levels of CMPD167 in the vagina, similar to those previously shown to be protective against vaginal challenge.

Low SNR Capacity for MIMO Rician and Rayleigh-Product Fading Channels with Single Co-channel Interferer and Noise

This paper studies the ergodic capacity of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with a single co-channel interferer in the low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) regime. Two MIMO models namely Rician and Rayleigh-product channels are investigated. Exact analytical expressions for the minimum energy per information bit, Eb/N0min, and wideband slope, S0, are derived for both channels. Our results show that the minimum energy per information bit is the same for both channels while their wideband slopes differ significantly. Further, the impact of the numbers of transmit and receive antennas, the Rician K factor, the channel mean matrix and the interference-to-noise-ratio (INR) on the capacity, is addressed. Results indicate that interference degrades the capacity by increasing the required minimum energy per information bit and reducing the wideband slope. Simulation results validate our analytical results.

The ocean sunfish Mola mola: insights into distribution, abundance and behaviour in the Irish and Celtic Seas

Here we provide baseline data on the distribution and abundance of Mola mola within the Irish and Celtic Seas, made during aerial surveys from June to October during 2003-2005. These data were considered in conjunction with concurrent observations of three potential jellyfish prey species found throughout the region: Rhizostoma octopus, Chrysaora hysoscella and Cyanea capillata. A total area of 7850 km(2) was surveyed over the three years with an observed abundance of 68 sunfish giving a density of 0.98 ind/100 km(2). Although modest, these findings highlight that the species is more common than once thought around Britain and Ireland and an order of magnitude greater than the other apex jellyfish predator found in the region, the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). furthermore, the distribution of sunfish sightings was inconsistent with the extensive aggregations of Rhizostoma octopus found throughout the study area. The modelled distributions of predator-prey co-occurrence (using data for all three jellyfish species) was less than the observed co-occurrence with the implication that neither jellyfish nor sunfish were randomly distributed but co-occurred more in the same areas than expected by chance. Finally, observed sunfish were typically small (similar to 1 in or less) and seen to either bask or actively swim at the surface.

The rate of return on equity across industrial sectors on the British stock market, 1825-70

This article assesses the contribution of the various industrial sectors to the growth of the British equity market in the 1825–70 period. It also provides estimates of the rates of return on these industrial sectors in this period. The article then proceeds to examine whether differences in rates of return across the various sectors can be explained by risk or other financial factors. One of the main findings is that the relatively high rates of return in the banking, insurance, and miscellaneous sectors appear to be in some measure explained by the presence of extended liability and uncalled capital.

Understanding Accountability in Social Enterprise Organisations: A Framework

Purpose: Social enterprise organisations (SEOs) operate across the boundaries of the public, private and not‐for‐profit (NFP) sectors in delivering public services and competing for resources and legitimacy. While there is a rich literature on accountability in the private and public sectors, together with the wider NFP sector, SEOs have received comparatively little attention and remain a relatively under‐researched organisational form. Drawing on accountability, legitimacy and user‐needs theories, the purpose of this paper is to develop a practical framework which can be used to explore how accountability within SEOs is constructed and discharged.

Design/methodology/approach: This paper draws on user‐needs, accountability, legitimacy and impression management theories expounded in relation to the private, public and NFP sectors.

Findings: A framework to better understand how accountability can be discharged by SEOs is developed and discussed.

Research limitations/implications: While a framework for better understanding SEO accountability is presented, it is not empirically tested. However, the framework has the potential to facilitate a deeper appreciation of the theory and practice of accountability within SEOs and, notwithstanding the inherent difficulties in measuring and managing accountability, could be used to stimulate practitioner involvement.

Practical implications
– As little is known about the current extent of SEO information disclosure or accountability relationships, the framework could be used to assess the discharge of accountability by SEOs, with the findings informing future developments. This should provide useful insights into internal processes and organisational views on accountability bases and mechanisms and can then be used to inform the debate on how SEOs can best discharge their duty to account.

Social implications
– Understanding the nature of SEO accountability reporting has important implications for those involved in advancing the SEO agenda. At a time of public sector cutbacks, and with the government searching for new and more effective ways of delivering services, the role of SEOs in this process is likely to receive greater attention and scrutiny.

Originality/value
– SEOs have grown extensively in size and prominence in recent years and policymakers have come to embrace the role that they play in societal development. This paper responds to a gap in the theoretical literature and contributes to the debate by developing a framework which can be empirically tested. Moreover, it can be used to prompt practitioner involvement and facilitate a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding accounting and accountability in this under‐researched area.

Internet banking and Irish credit unions

The purpose of this paper is to examine IT adoption by Irish credit unions. Using probabilistic models, we explore one aspect of IT, that of internet banking technology, and assess the degree to which characteristics specific to the credit union and to its potential membership base influence adoption. Our
analysis suggests that asset size, organisational structure being a member of the Irish League of Credit Unions and the loan to asset ratio are all important credit union specific drivers of internet banking adoption. We also find that characteristics of the area from where the credit union captures its members are important. Factors such as the percentage of the population that is employed, the proportion of the population in the age bracket 35 to 44, the proportion of the population that have access to broadband and the level of familiarity with a local ATM facility are all identified as influencing the probability of adopting internet banking.

Variation in oxygen consumption among 'living fossils' (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)

Polyplacophoran molluscs (chitons) are phylogenetically ancient and morphologically constrained, yet multiple living species are often found co-occurring within widely overlapping ecological niches. This study used two sets of experiments to compare interspecific variation among co-occurring species in the North Atlantic (Ireland) and separately in the North Pacific (British Columbia, Canada) chiton faunas. A complementary review of historical literature on polyplacophoran physiology provides an overview of the high level of metabolic variability in this group of 'living fossils'. Species examined in de novo experiments showed significant variation in oxygen consumption both under air-saturated water conditions (normoxia), and in response to decreasing oxygen availability (hypoxia). Some species demonstrate an ability to maintain constant oxygen uptake rates despite hypoxia (oxyregulators), while others oxyconform, with uptake rate dependent on ambient oxygen tension. These organisms are often amalgamated in studies of benthic communities, yet show obvious physiological difference that may impact their response or tolerance to environmental change.

Electro-oxidation of CO at the Ru(0001) single-crystal electrode surface

In situ FTIR spectroscopic and electrochemical data and ex situ (emersion) electron diffraction (LEED) and RHEED) and Auger spectroscopic data are presented on the structure and reactivity, with respect to the electro-oxidation of CO, of the Ru(0001) single-crystal surface in perchloric acid solution. In both the absence and the presence of adsorbed CO, the Ru(0001) electrode shows the potential-dependent formation of well-defined and ordered oxygen-containing adlayers. At low potentials (e.g., from -80 to +200 mV vs Ag/AgCl), a (2 × 2)-O phase, which is unreactive toward CO oxidation, is formed, in agreement with UHV studies. Increasing the potential results in the formation of (3 × 1) and (1 × 1) phases at 410 and 1100 mV, respectively, with a concomitant increase in the reactivity of the surface toward CO oxidation. Both linear (CO ) and three-fold-hollow (CO ) binding CO adsorbates (bands at 2000-2040 and 1770-1800 cm , respectively) were observed on the Ru(0001) electrode. The in situ FTIR data show that the adsorbed CO species remain in compact islands as CO oxidation proceeds, suggesting that the oxidation occurs at the boundaries between the CO and O domains. At low CO coverages, reversible relaxation (at lower potentials) and compression (at higher potentials) of the CO adlayer were observed and rationalized in terms of the reduction and formation of surface O adlayers. The data obtained from the Ru(0001) electrode are in marked contrast to those observed on polycrystalline Ru, where only linear CO is observed.

Sustaining school partnerships: The context of cross-sectoral collaboration between schools in a separate education system in Northern Ireland

This study explores the current understanding of cross-sectoral collaboration between schools in a divided society. The paper provides the context surrounding inter-school collaboration in Northern Ireland then presents findings based on a qualitative study of five post-primary partnerships made up of schools from the various sectors in Northern Ireland (maintained/Catholic, controlled/Protestant and integrated sectors). Participants in the study are teachers and school leaders. Evidence from this study reveals a number of things: despite a separate education system made up of different sectors, schools on an inter-sectoral basis are willing to collaborate and those represented in this study appeared disposed to sustain partnership activities; schools recognised that collaboration and partnership while beset with a number of logistical challenges, is also beneficial for pupils and institutions. In all cases there remained evidence of sustainable collaborative practice; although some of this was more developed in some partnerships than in others. In effect this paper concludes by recognising that schools do require some level of funding to sustain partnership working but that sustainability should not be couched entirely around these terms; rather, sustainability is about creating the right conditions to allow schools to develop effective and strong partnerships. These conditions are outlined in the latter stages of this paper.